The Secretary Ministry of Textile Industry (MINTEX) at the first meeting of Federal Textile Board held on Monday after its reconstitution in July 2014 chairing by Minister for Textile Industry Abbas Khan Afridi announced that the Pakistan’s textile policy would be presented in the next Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet meeting also restructuring of Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) was also on cards.

Afridi assured the participants of the meeting Ministry was following a multi-pronged strategy from facilitation to research and technology up gradation for the textile sector’s protection and development.

The meeting discussed issues related to declining textile exports, upcoming textile policy, Generalized System of Preferences by European Union to Pakistan, seed amendment act, cotton standardization, textile cess, Export Development Fund, sales tax refunds and deferred payments in detail.

The members recommended the inclusion of Pakistan Textile Exporters Association, Towel Manufacturer Association, All Pakistan Bed sheets and Upholstery Manufacturer Association, All Pakistan Denim Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association and Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association in the Federal Textile Board.

The private members apprised the minister of their grievances in general and pending sales tax refund issue in particular. MINTEX assured them of all out cooperation and support. It was also decided at the meeting that an international textile exhibition will be held annually. The first one would be scheduled in March 2015.

Further, to streamline the Board’s mandate and effectiveness, it was decided to conduct quarterly meetings of the Board.

Members of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association, Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, PCCC, National Food Security and Research, National Textile University and Textile Commissioner attended the meeting.